The Skinny on Skincare

So, in response to your many a plea for a skincare post, here it goes! This is pretty much my first “non-food” post that I’ve ever done but if it has good response I would definitely be interested in doing more “lifestyle” posts in the future. It really is all up to you all, my readers! You tell me what you want to read and I shall write Just keep in mind though that what has worked for me might not work for you. I am in no means a professional, I’m just giving out my opinion. Definitely schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if you want a personalized skin care program!

To start, here’s some history

I’ve always had sort of problematic skin growing up, as did my brother. Its not that I had horrible acne, its just that my skin was always quite prone to breakouts, especially blemishes that were actually “under” the skin that only a professional could extract.  Of course when this is happening and you are 15 years old it seems like the biggest deal in the entire world and, as a result, I tried everything. Finally, the Clinique Three Step Plan (minus the lotion) totally cleared my skin up and I swore by it. I probably used that soap and toner every single day for five years…..and my skin looked great! Then, I turned 20.

And I’m not sure still what happened! Suddenly at the ripe age of 20 my skin TOTALLY freaked out. I, in turn, freaked out as well because my trusty Clinique had failed me and my dermatologist told me that skin changes when you leave your teenage years and that’s obviously what happened to me. For the next two years I had constantly broken out skin. I was switched from antibiotic to antibiotic to, at points, even STEROIDS to get it in control. And nothing worked. It was just awful. I know everyone says beauty is only skin deep and that is 100% true, but I remember quite vividly crying in the bathroom one night because my skin was just so awful.

I think the big turning point for me was my eyebrow waxer, who also did facials, in Charleston (I went to Stella Nova for you Charlestonians). She introduced me to an all natural brand, Ole Henrikson, that really saved my life. No, it didn’t totally clear up my skin but I just FELT better off of those powerful steriods and chemicals that an old dermatologist had prescribed for my “acne”.

She also introduced me to the make-up that I still use religiously years later—-Bare Minerals. I could not LIVE without this stuff. I really think that that played a huge role in clearing up my skin and its so gentle and pure you could even sleep in it (trust me, I know).

Here is my current make-up bag:

As you can see, I use and ADORE the Bare Minerals foundation, the bronzer and the concealer. I use these three products every single day and have been for 2 1/2 years now. They are a must have!

Now, after graduating from College of Charleston and coming back home to Tampa I finally found a truly wonderful dermatologist (a staple for everyone!). Her aim is to be as holistic as possible while still treating the problem. When she found out that a past doctor had prescribed me steroids and antibiotics for years, she was horrified. She stripped everything away and told me just to wash my face with a cleanser she prescribed and that was IT. No pills, no creams…nothing. She is a huge fan of Bare Minerals as well and told me that’s the best possible make-up you could ever use on your skin. At least I was doing something right!

Two years later and I’m still using Rosaderm, the cleanser that she prescribes. Yes, it is full of icky chemical things and not all natural but it works for me so I stick with it. Someday I’d love to branch out and try a totally holistic and all natural face wash but I just feel too comfortable with my Rx because it really works for me and has totally cleared up my skin!

I still use Ole Henrikson suncreen (spf 30) every.single.day.of.my.life. This is, other than Bare Minerals, the ONE product that I just couldn’t live without. Even in my poorest state, I’m willing to shell out the $24 for a new tube every six months or so from Sephora. I use it every day, rain or shine, whether I leave the house or lay in bed all day.

Also, when I can afford it (not at the current moment, unfortunately) I ADORE Ole Henrikson’s Firm Action Mask. I love the smell of this and what it does to my face! After I use it I always feel so fresh and clean…..it is a little $$ but very worth it!

And finally, when I can afford it again, I really love Ole Henrikson’s Walnut Complexion Scrub! I don’t currently use this because it is too pricey for my budget right now but I’ve gone through a few jars in the past few years and just love it.

I know there are a few loyal St.Ives Apricot Scrub followers in this group but based on my own personal experience, I can’t stand the stuff. I know it does wonders for some people but it really messed up my skin and I’ve heard from a few people (all dermatologists) that its not the best to use because the little kernals can actually get wedged in your skin and cause more breakouts.…..not trying to dissuade you from it but if you have broken out skin and are using it, beware!

So after all of that, here’s my current line-up for skincare:

The two exfoliators on the left side are NEW products that I will be trying. I tried the tea tree oil one a few days ago and really liked it but it was quite abrasive so I would only use that once a week to really get all the gunk out. The Neutrogena one comes from a straight recommendation from my Dermatologist and I will be using that at night and the Rosaderm in the morning, daily. Then of course you have my cleanser and sunscreen, both of which I use daily.

When I heard last month that Caitlin was going to follow Angela’s plan for glowing skin, which involved a Green Monster daily I totally hopped on the bandwagon! Guys, it really works!! I swear my skin has had more of a “glow” to it since I started drinking these vibrant smoothies every day. Also, I think juicing really helps. My skin was totally broken out and awful not even two months ago and then I quit drinking coffee, started jucing fresh, organic veggies a few times a week and drinking green smoothies every day and I have seen drastic results!

Of course your diet is huge, too. I don’t really touch fried food for the most part and eat as unprocessed of a diet as possible. No soda or artificial sweeteners ever go pass these lips! You could scrub and apply ever zit cream known to man to your face but if you don’t clean up your diet you never will see a change. It took me awhile to figure out what you eat really DOES matter in how your skin appears. When my diet is crappy or I drink too many cocktails, I instantly lose that glow and start to break out. Simple as that.

One final word is WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN!

Tagged as: musings